In addressing public policy challenges, the key lies in leveraging reliable evidence, which depends on accessible data. The concept of "Open Data" has revolutionized this access, creating a scenario where more data has been produced in the last two years than in the preceding 3000 years. This abundance of data, readily available, shifts the challenge for decision-makers from finding data to effectively managing and utilizing it. For instance, in the entertainment sector, platforms have seamlessly integrated technological advancements, utilizing applications to enhance user experiences by providing streamlined access to a myriad of games directly from mobile devices. This exemplifies how various industries can adapt to a data-rich environment, underscoring the importance of innovative data management in both public and private sectors.

The Bangladesh Peace Observatory (BPO) is the response to this challenge. BPO is a research center located at the Center for Genocide Studies at the University of Dhaka, aiming to harness the power of open data to advance knowledge and understanding of peace and development in the country. BPO will focus on pressing and interconnected issues such as youth bulge, violence prevention, and social cohesion. The Bangladesh Peace Observatory brings together various streams of public data on violence, analyzes, and visualizes them in a useful and interactive format for decision-makers, civil society, and the media to understand, consume, and discuss. In this context, resources can also play an important role by providing access to up-to-date information and tools that contribute to better understanding and engagement with reality.